Last weekend we were able to spend the day at Disney with my family. It was magical not only because it's the funnest place on earth, but because the park means a lot to me. I loved sharing it with my children for the first time.
I practically grew up at the Magic Kingdom. From the time I was 5 going to preschool on Disney property, up until when I worked there in my twenties, I could be found at Disney a minimum of twice a year. The parks hold a familiarity similar to roaming around my parents yard. Each spot has a special memory. The kids didn't need much convincing that the place was awesome and special. They were sold before we even got off the monorail. Christian especially loved spending the day attached to Papi and seeing all the larger than life Buzz Lightyear's and Pirate's.
The weekend before Disney we went to another Florida staple: The Plant City Strawberry Festival. I was terrified leading up to the weekend because I had no one to go with. I don't mind being by myself anymore, but the thought of three kids under 4 at a festival was a bit scary. That was the weekend that cemented in my mind: we can be a complete family, even if the only parent is a mommy. We had a blast riding the rides, eating bacon dipped in chocolate and gorging ourselves on strawberries. The Port'a'potty with three kids hanging from my body while I tried not to pee on myself was DISGUSTING and horrible, but that's another story. It's hard to explain why, but the Strawberry Festival was like a rite of passage. It said to me "Hey Mary, you've kicked ass and your family is going to be fine. No more than fine...you are going to have life and life embellished!".
Speaking of embellishments... Next Wednesday will be one year since I walked out the door. Crazy huh? No, time has not flown by. It's been the longest friggin year ever, but anyways....In honor of that anniversary I got myself some ink :) Actual pictures will be forthcoming after my final session with the amazing Heather in April.
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear for I am with you. I will strengthen you and protect you, I will uphold you with my righteous right arm.
Drawn up for me by the beautiful Beth Witte.
Righteous right arm... LOVE IT! As you walk forward there will be more opportunities to rely on His strong arm. He will deliver you and protect you. Mary, I pray this year will hold so many new and wonderful blessings of hope and healing that you look back again on next year's anniversary with the overwhelming thoughtfulness of the Lord on your mind!
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